Crafted in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Discover 5 typically regional crafts preserved thanks to Fondation du Patrimoine.
Lissage des pièces by HavilandFondation du patrimoine
1. Limoges porcelain ware
Limoges has been a European center of porcelain goods since the late 18th century, its manufacturers refining the right mixture of kaolin with quartz and feldspar over the centuries.
Collection porcelaines Haviland 2020 by HavilandFondation du patrimoine
Several manufacturers around the city still produce exquisite dinnerware and decorative items. Limoges remains a world-class standard for craftsmanship to the present day.
Jon et Patxi TambourindéguyFondation du patrimoine
2. Basque Pelota : keep the ball rolling
In the Basque country (Western Pyrenees) the younger generation is fighting to preserve an emblematic ancestral sport, Basque Pelota. Preserving the sport also means needing to learn how to build and sow the balls, chisteras and full rubber rackets used in the game.
Fronton et mairie de Guéthary (1992)Fondation du patrimoine
You can still play today ⚾
Conserving this old knowhow makes it possible to enjoy this traditional sport to this day. Each Basque village has a terrain to play (pediment or trinquet) where you can enjoy one of the 13 versions of Basque Pelota.
Try it next time you're in the Basque country!
Reproduction de décors pour vitraux à restaurerFondation du patrimoine
3. Passing on the art of stained glass
The Master Stained Glassworkers still pass on to this date thousand years old gestures to the younger generations. It all starts with deciding the best colors and shades of glass.
Vitrail de Chagall dans la chapelle du Saillant by Marc ChagallFondation du patrimoine
Learning this ancient art enables some new creation but also the restoration of artworks from the past - such as this masterpiece oculus by Chagall, which was restored to its old beauty by students in training. It is visible in the Château du Saillant at Voutezac, in Corrèze.
Chèvres PoitevinesFondation du patrimoine
4. Poitou farms: say (goat) Cheese!
The art of making good cheese is sacred in France. Poitou has specific cheese traditions such as Chabichou du Poitou, Mothais-sur-Feuille, fresh chèvre, log, faisselle and a local cheesecake : tourteau fromagé !
Philippe Massé et Christophe BourbonFondation du patrimoine
Local farmers in Poitou preserve and revive ancient traditions of goats migration and free grazing on organic land, as well as ancient cheese-making technique. Come to Poitou to taste the tradition!
Création d'un toit en chaume à Saint-Yrieix-la-PercheFondation du patrimoine
5. Thatch roofing
Thatch roofing is a traditional roofing method that involves using dry vegetation (such as straw, water reed, rushes, or sedge) to create a roof covering.
Grange ovalaire de Saint-Eloy-les-TuileriesFondation du patrimoine
The former region of Limousin is famous for preserving its own thatch roof traditions and specific techniques. You may spot such cottage-looking "chaumières" (from the word "chaume", thatch) next time you travel there!
